Working as a part-time beauty editor means that you come across a whole lot of beauty supplies that you've either seen before or never had access to before. I am now a product hoarder, and am the proud owner of at least 100 hair tools, accessories, and products that I never realized I needed in my life (but now obviously totally do). Sometimes details of a hair tool will be emailed to me that makes me scrunch up my nose and say, "wut" out loud. I usually try to give them a chance, and most of the time, they end up being awesome. Which brings us to this list of weird hair tools and accessories you actually need.
Whether you want your hair to dry faster or less tangled, are looking for easy curls, or just want to try something different, these items are for you. They may look odd or seem like a silly gimmick, but I promise you they are not. Sometimes weird accessories like these really are worth the extra money, whether it's because they're making your mornings easier or just making you happier with how you look.
But just because these particular tools work doesn't mean that all hair tools out there work! Some of them really are just a gimmick that you shouldn't bother spending money on. Find out what's legit and what's not. Here are 11 weird hair tools and accessories you never knew you needed.
1. The Curly Tee Towel
The Original Curly Tee Towel, $20, Amazon
You may have already heard that drying wet hair with a towel causes frizziness, especially with curls. That's why it's better to dry your hair with a cotton t-shirt. So, if you can use an old cotton t-shirt after the shower, then why would you spend money on something similar? Because the Curly Tee Towel is awesome, that's why. It looks like a tiny, weird cotton t-shirt, but you put wet hair in it, wrap it up, and then tie it on top. It reduces frizz and tangles, but the best part is that it doesn't budge. Regular T-shirts constantly come undone with every movement, and this one stays put.
2. The Wet Brush
The Wet Brush , $8, Amazon
The Wet Brush sounds like a gimmick because it seems odd: Who ever thought you would need a separate brush for wet hair? I was really skeptical of this one, but as it turns out, I shouldn't have been. The Wet Brush is truly a miracle brush. It gets through wet hair better than any other brush I've ever used, leaving your locks knot-free. I refuse to use anything else on my wet hair because this is so great.
3. A Tangle Teezer
The Tangle Teezer , $10, Amazon
As much as I love my Wet Brush, I have to say that it simply does not work the same way with dry hair. The Tangle Teezer, however, works great with dry hair. As the name implies, this little brush gets through knots and tangles easily, leaving hair shiny, soft, and knot-free. The small shape also makes it awesome for traveling.
4. Sarah Potempa The Beachwaver
The Beachwaver , $199, Amazon
If you love to curl your hair but have trouble with the curling iron or wand (or just get lazy like I do), this is for you. The innovative design stands out from other curling wands because it rotates on it's own. While this may sound like a disaster waiting to happen, it's not. It wraps hair around easily, creating perfect, even curls — minimizing the work you have to do to achieve them.
5. T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Wand Set
T3 Whirl Trio Intrerchangeable Wand Set, $270, Amazon
Yes, this is expensive, but if you curl your hair very often, it's also worth it. This amazingly cool curling wand comes with three different wand heads that you can swap. One creates large glam waves, one creates spiral curls, and one creates loose beach waves. So, yeah, it's pricey. But if you were planning on purchasing three different size curling wands, you're definitely better off with this.
6. Root Touchup Powder
Madison Reed Root Touch Up Powder , $43, Amazon
Why do you need root touchup powder in your life? Because if you dye your hair, this allows you to wait longer in between salon visits. Apply this powder to your roots when they start to grow out to disguise and hide them. Genius!
7. So Cal Curl Hair Tie
Retro Red So Cal Curls Hair Tie, $18, So Cal Curls
When I first heard about this Pinterest-famous hair curling trick, I was admittedly very skeptical. Wrap your hair around a thick headband, go to sleep, and wake up with perfect curls? It seemed way too easy. Then I tried it with So Cal Curls, and I actually loved it. What makes this different from any other headband is that it's made to be heated up in the microwave for a few seconds. Between the hair wrapping around and the slight heat, this band really does allow you to wake up with tons of curls. It's great for busy mornings.
8. Invisibobble
Invisibobble , $8 for 3, Sephora
The Invisibobble is a hair tie that looks like the cord from an old-fashioned house phone. It's supposed to hold your hair for hours without leaving a mark or indent, like regular elastic hair ties do. It also looks like it would rip the hair right out of your head. But trust me — it doesn't, and it is probably my favorite hair accessory in the world. Not only does the Invisibobble leave your hair dent-less, it also holds hair for days, stretches out far enough to do certain styles without bobby pins, and lasts without getting ruined for months. I've been using the same one since March every single day, and it's still in great shape.
9. Sara Potempa The Wrap Up
The Beachwaver Co. The Wrap Up, $12, Amazon
Buns are great for messy, dirty hair days when you just want your hair away from your face. Unfortunately, a pretty bun can also be hard to achieve. Hair donuts are often very obvious, and sock buns can be more difficult than tutorials claim. Enter The Wrap Up. It makes buns super easy, and it's not as ballerina perfect as a donut. It's definitely worth it if you have a hard time doing a bun on your own.
10. Braid Paste
Oscar Blandi Braid Paste, $12, Amazon
Braids are such an easy hairstyle, but there's one downside to them: If your hair is too soft (like right after you've washed) they'll fall apart immediately. Sometimes we want a braid even when our hair isn't a few days dirty. To make your braid stay together, you need a braid paste like this one. Work it into hair for a more textured look that will create an Instagram-worthy braid.
11. A Heated Brush
Calista Tools Perfecter Pro Grip Heated Paddle Brush , $80, Amazon
You know those days when you want to dry your hair, but you don't really have time to do a whole blowout? Or the day after you got a blowout when you want to get volume back? Those are the perfect times to use this heated paddle brush. It makes hair smooth and shiny, helps dry it faster, and is great for fast styling.
Trust me, those good hair days are about to get even better.
Images: Courtesy Brands
